March
Second Battle of the Somme marked by the German spring offensive, the ‘Kaiserschlacht’. Germans attack along a 50 mile front south of Arras. | 22nd March | Victory for Germany with operation Michael - Use of new ‘Storm trooper’ assault to smash through British positions west of St. Quentin, taking 16,000 prisoners. |
23rd March | Greatest air battle of the war takes place over the Somme, with 70 aircraft involved. |
5th April | The German Spring Offensive halts outside Amiens as British and Australian forces hold the Line. The second 1917 battle of the Somme ends, as Germany calls off operation Michael. |
9th April | Germany starts offensive in Flanders –Battle of the Lys (ends 29th April). |
19th May | German air force launches largest raid on London, using 33 aircraft. |
27th May | Operation Blucher – The Third German Spring Offensive attacks the French army along the Aisne River. French are forced back to the Marne, but hold the river with help from the Americans. |
15th July | Second battle of the Marne started; final phase of German spring offensive.Start of the collapse of the German army with irreplaceable casualties. |
8th August | Second Battle of Amiens – German resistance sporadic and thousands surrender. |
27th September | British offensive on the CambraiFront leads to the storming of the Hindenburg Line. Battle of St. Quentin – British and U.S troops launch devastating offensives. |
4th October | Germany asks the allies for an armistice (sent to Woodrow Wilson). |
8th October | Allies advance along a 20 mile front from St. Quentin to Cambrai, driving the Germans back and capturing 10,000 troops. |
29th October | Germany’s navy mutinies (at Jade). |
3rd November | Austria makes peace. German sailors mutiny at Kiel. |
9th November | Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates and revolution breaks out in Berlin. |
11th November | Germany signs the armistice with the allies – coming into effect at 11.00am (official end of WWI). |
1919 | |
10th January | Communist Revolt in Berlin (Battle of Berlin). |
18th January | Paris Peace Conference Begins. |
25th January | Principle of a League of Nations ratified. |
6th May | Under conditions of the Peace conference, German colonies are annexed. |
21st June | The surrendered German naval fleet at Scapa Flow was scuttled. |
28th June | Treaty of Versailles signed. |
19th July | Cenotaph unveiled in London. |